Seven Fijian volunteer teachers will depart Fiji this week and early next week to work in the education sector in Nauru and Tuvalu.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Hon. Semi Koroilavesau farewelled the teachers in Suva yesterday and presented them with airline tickets.
Initiated in 2012, the Fiji Volunteer Service is a development and friendship assistance scheme for retired workers in regional countries on shared cost basis.
Minister Koroilavesau said the Fijian Government supported the development of neighbouring countries, especially to assist in their human resource needs.
“The Fijian Government acknowledge both the governments of Nauru and Tuvalu for coming forward and identifying their human resource needs in the education sector and we are glad that we could assist through our Senior Volunteer Scheme,” Minister Koroilavesau said.
“We are pleased to note that there are Fijians already working in these Pacific Island Countries and are contributing positively towards enhancing the economic and social life of their host countries.”
The Fijian Government has come up with initiatives to allow for labour mobility in areas of education, public administration, disaster management, peacekeeping, social protection and environment.
Minister Koroilavesau thanked the volunteers for coming forward to serve and urged them to be good ambassadors for Fiji.
“You have shown your desire to share your knowledge, experiences and teaching skills. You are going to leave behind your families and the comfort of your homes to serve in a country that needs your service. Go that extra mile to help in the education needs for Nauru and Tuvalu.”
Mr Paulo Coronaqio, one of the volunteer teachers, said they were thankful for the opportunity provided by Government to share their knowledge with children in need of their assistance.
Five of the seven teachers will be teaching in Tuvalu while two will be in Nauru.
Editors note: for more details on this program, email news@govnet.gov.fj